Ball State (0-0) vs. Central Connecticut State (0-0) Game Preview

After a disappointing and injury-plagued 2017 season, the Cardinals need this tune-up game and this win in a big, big way, with trips in-state to Notre Dame and Indiana to follow.

Central Connecticut State is coming off a solid 8-4 season with a dangerous offense, a terrific defense, and just enough returning talent to ruin the Ball State season before it really gets started.

One Reason Why Central Connecticut State Will Win

If last year is any indication – and it shouldn’t be in a lot of ways, but it goes to what the coaching staff is focused on – the Blue Devils will be stingy again when it comes to turning the ball over.

They had one of the best turnover margins in the FCS last year, and Ball State had one of the worst in the FBS.

Predicted as the preseason favorite to win the Northeast Conference title, this is a dangerous CCSU team that should be far, far better after a 5-6 season. QB Jacob Dolegala will bomb away, but …

One Reason Why Ball State Will Win

The Cardinal secondary should be a whole lot stronger.

It’s not going to be anything special, but after a year of growing pains, it’s a veteran group now with the upside and the talent to come up with a decent boost after allowing 199 yards or more in nine of the last ten games.

It’s the offensive side that should see the biggest improvement, with RB James Gilbert back to join Caleb Huntley and Justin Hall. CCSU should be able to get the O going, but Ball State’s running attack has the talent to control the game.

What’s Going To Happen

Watch out, Ball State. This is an experienced Blue Devil team that pull off the upset if the offense gets hot early on.

It’ll be more of a shootout than the Cardinals might like, and it might take a few late scores to sweat out, but they’ll get the home win they have to have. It’ll be a fight to get there as the running game takes over as the game goes on.

Fearless Prediction & Line

Ball State 37, Central Connecticut State 31
Line: No Line, o/u: No Line